Going to Arlington. Texas that is. Tips from the locals?

Things we'll see: She, as a deeply passionate Cowboys fan, has already planned a Jerry World tour. She also wants to hit Fort Worth and see the money factory, the place where they print money. Since she's a Republican, W's library will be on the agenda. As a no good pinko commie Liberal who voted for Obama, I'm taking the "respect the office, not the man" stance and looking for the copy of "The Pet Goat."

I'm mostly looking for good places to eat. I really love brisket. So, you know, BBQ, and my research has revealed Dallas has an ACM, an ATM-style Automatic Cupcake Machine. WE LIVE IN AN AGE OF MIRACLES!
A real nice eating joint that ain't a chain would also be grand.

For those who keep up with these things, the end of the month marks five years together for us. Some around here followed along at home on the first night, blind date.

Arlingtonian here, mainly familiar with Arlington/Fort Worth environs, so this info is going to be biased in that direction.

There are plenty of very good BBQ joints 'round these parts. If you're in Fort Worth, I would recommend Risckys ... they have three locations (one downtown in Sundance Square (where ESPN set up shop for the Super Bowl), one in the Stockyards, and a newer one on the west side).

For a quintessential Fort Worth Mexican treat, go to Joe T. Garcia's right near the Stockyards ... and bring an appetite. They've broadened their menu these last few years, but if you wanna do Joe T's right you'll order the family-style enchilada dinner (their original). You might combine a Joe T's visit with a visit to the Stockyards timed so that you can see the longhorn cattle drive (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in the Stockyards).

You might also check out one of Tim Love's restaurants. The Lonesome Dove is expensive as all get-out, but it's supposed to be out of this world.

I've never been, but in Arlington Piccolo Mondo is highly recommended for an upscale Italian night out.

Also in Arlington there are a couple of well-regarded "dives" kind of places. Some acquaintances run a place called the Grease Monkey, which is kind of like Fuddrucker's, but those sweet potato tater tots are out of this world. Two or three miles southwest from there is a place called Chop House Burgers (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) that's famous for a burger made with a mix of ground beef and ground smoked brisket.

Also, throughout the metroplex there's the Fuzzy's Taco chain. Fuzzy's thing is Baja-style tacos, and I recommend their garlic shredded beef tacos. Near UT-Arlington there's also a new place called Digg's Taco Shop (there's a location in Dallas, too) which is very good (with live music on the weekends).

And, finally, if you just want a good, cheap sports bar experience, visit the No Frills Grill (there are several locations throughout the metroplex). The food's good and very modestly priced.

The museums in the Fort Worth cultural district are world class. The Amon Carter museum has a fabulous collection of Remington and Russell paintings, and it's free. Check out the Modern, too ... its architecture is pretty much worth the price of admission, and the Cafe Modern there is reportedly fabulous.

Gas stations house the best taquerias. Fuel City's tacos by downtown Dallas are legendary and cheap. And you can catch a glimpse of the longhorns that are required B-roll on any national telecasts from DFW.

Mariano's off of Highway 360 and Randol Mill in Arlington is good Tex-Mex and close to the stadiums. It's the same Mariano who claimed to have invented the first Margarita machine. http://www.laharanch.com/marianos/home.htm